Genomics technology is enabling sustainable, energy-efficient mining extraction methods for critical minerals like nickel.
A new project funded through Genome Canada’s Genomics Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) will harness the power of genomics to extract critical minerals from mining waste streams using energy-efficient methods—reducing waste and driving environmental protection in the mining industry.
Genome Canada is investing $56.7 million through the Genomics Applications Partnership Program (GAPP), from the federal government and local partners, to support downstream research and development (R&D) projects addressing real world opportunities and challenges, including a $6 million investment supporting environmental protection for the mining industry.
NEW PROJECT SUPPORTING ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN MINING
Developing novel bioleaching process for Ni recovery from pyrrhotite streams
Dr. Krishna Mahadevan (University of Toronto) and Jan Van Niekerk (Metso-Outotec) will harness genomics and bioleaching technologies to treat pyrrhotite tailings, waste streams of current mining practices, for nickel extraction—enabling more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly methods for mining and recovering critical minerals, like nickel, that are key components in batteries and electric vehicles. Funded through Ontario Genomics.
To learn more about this investment in genomic research and development, click here.
ABOUT GAPP
The Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) supports industry-facing partnered research projects that address real-world challenges. Designed to accelerate the social and economic impact of genomics, GAPP provides the space for research, innovation and application to thrive collaboratively. This latest milestone investment marks the 100th project funded through GAPP and the 10th anniversary of the program, with a total investment of approximately $477.1 million to date, of which $17.9 million in was invested last fiscal, 2022-23. GAPP projects address real-world challenges and opportunities through greater collaboration between genomics scientists and the users of genomics research. They aim to stimulate public- and private-sector investment in Canadian genomics technologies, advancing technology uptake in receptors and moving technologies across readiness levels.